Builds can be started by various means, including scheduling via a cron-like mechanism, building when other builds have completed, and by requesting a specific build URL.

During recent years Hudson has become a popular alternative to CruiseControl and other open-source build servers.[1] At JavaOne conference in May 2008, it was the winner of Duke's Choice Award in Developer Solutions category.[3] Commerical Support for Hudson through Sun Microsystems was announced in August of 2009.[4]